The smell of fire and smoke still lingered in the air; my clothes drenched in sweat and blood. Everything on my body still shaking, not from fear - but from remembering. I look back at Ava and Ol'; they look calm, but I know that's impossible. Not after seeing that.

  The Forest now pitch dark. My eyes snapping in each direction at every sound - every movement.

  Images in my mind keep flickering - claws, teeth, and the sound of the screams. Screams that rang out as, that - thing; reached for my family.

  Mother.

  Father.

  Retra...

  "Thank the gods," I said as we passed a town limits sign. "Ava we're close. Gather some clothes for you and Ol. Change, eat, and tell your parents what happened." Ava nods and silently agrees. "What are you going to do, Nephra?" she spoke with a look of worry on her face. I took a second to think.

  What am I going to do? Help the village? Protect my family? Or should we run?

  "I'll-" my voice caught. "I don't know." Ava began to say something, but stopped before she could mouth the words. She is frightened, so is Ol; and I have no idea how to make them feel safe.

  The gallops become slow trots as we approach the Town gate. "The gates are still open." I exhaled heavily. "We made it on time." We had to stop about a hour back. The horses churned as hard as they could; until they couldn't.

  Four guards stood at the entrance, and another two on the wall. "Hold!" The guard with the morning shadow shouted. " Oh, hello Director Peranze, wel-"

  I interrupted "Send someone to the other gates -" I paused to think "as well as to your command. The city has been attacked by demons. They destroyed half the eastern district -" I stopped as I recall the emergency route:

  Claws - fangs - the stench of its breath roaring into the cart. My body shivered.

  I gathered myself "Ill be residing at the Ticanne Pl.," I nodded to the guard "if you need me."

  He saluted. Then with two sharp steps, he moved aside to let us through.

  We have made it to town safely.

  But safety did not follow us...

  The news hasn't reached here yet. Everyone is still proceeding as they normally would. Couples strolling through the streets, friends enjoying their late-night jog, one of the most peaceful places in the country. I traveled to the town of Yurse quite often for work; rare materials are found here at certain times throughout the year, it's also beautiful.

  The architecture is made from something out of imagination.

  Olvior climbed to the front of the cart. "Woooooow!" Ol looks on in amazement. He has been here before; but probably doesn't remember since he was so young. I smiled.

  I put my arm around his shoulder and pointed as the reigns dangled from my hand.

  "That; that lamp is actually grown. It's called a Terflite," The lamp grew from the side of the road and arched over - twisting as it connected to another plant. "From the moment it sprouts it produces light." I told Ol,

  His eyes widened further than I had ever seen. Haha "In just two weeks it sprouts, then it grows, until the entire thing is glowing." "How does it regrow?" Ol asked. "That's the beauty Ol," I paused as I gesture to the forest.

  "The forest is so precise; it properly pollenates each plant individually. So that the next generation of plants will be "born" as pairs. One male, one female. You'll find an even number of each around the forest." The curiosity glinting in Ols' eyes.

  It really is amazing how the forest works.

  The houses here started as simple twenty by twenty pods. The longer you stay, the more the house grows in the image of what you truly desired. Avalines' parents lived here for around five decades; they married young. The houses also create their own space as they grow, plots of land where the distance between each house remains - proper.

  They now have a wonderous palace like home, directly off the main road.

  When we arrived at their home, only the two of them awaited: Euel Ticaani & Iyvani Ticanni. In the forest, it is common for the married man to scribe his wife's name. Ticanni is a well-known name throughout the Elven Kingdom; long lines of leaders, and healers, Iyvani - not cast out, but no longer held any meaningful power, since she decided to marry an outsider.

  It’s not so much as frowned upon, more so an agreement between tradition and love.

  As we approached, I could see the clear transition on their faces from excitement to anguish and worry.

  They sprinted over to the cart.

  "Avaline!" Her mother yelled. I stopped the cart, and exited to help Ava and Ol out. I reach out my hand. "C'mon Ol. One. Two. Three." He jumps and I guide him to the ground. I reach my hand out to Ava and she follows Ols' example. She gives me a kiss on the cheek, before going over to hug her mother.

  "Oh. Mama!" Ava walked with her arms stretched out, and her mother did the same. The embrace came with softness matched by none other. I smiled and went to open my Alchemy bag, when I suddenly felt a chill slam across the side of my face. I turn and Iyvani is standing right next to me.

  My whole body shook, as if riding over a large stone in the road.

  "MOTHE- My Gods! Iyvani are you trying to kill me?!" Her eyes glared into my soul.

  "Maybe. You're late." she said "I know; we-" she interjected "What happened to my daughter and grandson?"

  "I'm tryin-” interrupted again.

  "Ava should never have moved to the city with you!" She said quietly yet fierce.

  "I told Euel to not -" her sentence snapped "Mama! Come inside and we shall tell you about it, and stop interrogating my husband - please."

  That was the same face Avaline wore when she was stern with me, just a bit softer.

  I couldn't help but smirk.

  We spoke at dinner about what had occurred in the city. "The whole district?" Iyvani asked as she covered her mouth.

  Fire - death - and destruction, I had seen it before and never wanted to see it again.

  I nodded and I could see the pain in her eyes swell to the surface. The Ticannis' cared for life deeply. Helpers and nurturers. Healers and teachers. Something that made the next persons life, just that much brighter. "What incited the incident?" Euel asked, with his head slightly bowed and hands clasped.

  "I thought it was the arsonist when I seen the smoke from the academy." I lowered my head into my hands.

  "But it was demons." I spoke softly.

  The Academy

  Is the town still burning? Did they defeat the Demons?

  Our home...

  After a few hours of finally getting to relax, a sudden chill flowed down my spine – slowly. I look around the table; something didn’t feel right.

  Then a thought struck into my mind.

  I stood up, hands slamming onto the table.

  "A messenger!" The chair slid back making a screeching sound before thudding onto the floor.

  "Nephra? What are you talking about?" Ava asked, confusion washed across her face.

  I waved my hand in the air. "A..a..a messenger. A messenger should have arrived from the city with the news." Everyone sat in silence.

  "I'll go to the town hall and see what they know." The town hall isn't far; it’s only about twenty minutes of walking. Fifteen if you're quick. "Love you, Ol.' I said, as I patted his head and walked over to Ava. "My love." I pressed my forehead unto hers - and for a mere second, the pressure of the world melted away.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  "My Love." Ava replied. I placed a soft kiss on her head and left for the Hall.

  I'm glad I grabbed my Shield & Spear, after being so shaky- it felt- grounding. I notice the guards moving in a hurried fashion. Helmets unstrapped, and one guard is trying to lace his shield while running.

  I chuckle "Impossible."

  But then the false safety starts to fade into the forests' night.

  Why were they hurrying?

  Did they receive a message?

  Did they not receive a message?

  My quick pace transitioned to a stuttered jog. The guards’ voices grew louder, each one of them scrambled toward the gate. I hesitate for a moment.

  Should I return?

  No. I’ll be of better use defending the Town.

  The Town Hall is now in sight. It is calmer than I expected, the guards’ here are standing watch and patrolling as usual. I walked into the hall and saw everyone talking. There are maybe Twenty or so people here and I overhear them talking about what had occurred in the city.

  “They destroyed half the city.” One man said.

  “They said hundreds of people are dead – maybe more.” Another whispered.

  “I think we should leave,” A woman spoke as I walked past. “The demons are getting more and more active.” She sounded frightened. I was too.

  I approached the desk and saw a familiar face. “Ellia, am I glad that you’re here.” I said as I exhaled relief.

  “Why hello Director. What can I help you with?” she said as she rose her attention.

  “Has there been a message from the city pertaining the demon attack?” She looks through the piles of parchment on her desk. “Hmm, nothing here. My apologies.” she said.

  “Oh! There was someone who brought a message! A couple hours prior, he delivered it to the mayor.”

  "Good. Must have been good news." It doesn't really seem like anyone was in a panic here. They are moving in more of a preparing sense. Maybe I got all worked up for no reason. Well; its always better safe than sorry.

  "Thank you Ellia. If anyone needs me I'll be at the Ticanni Pl."

  "Will do." She smiled and waved as I left the hall.

  "Maybe I just need to relax." I let out a sigh of relief and crossed my arms above my head. Glad they got the demons under control in the city. Hopefully we can enjoy our vacation now.

  There are less people on the streets, since this is around the time where the forest sleeps. The Terflite's lights dim from a bright yellow to a deep orange at bedtime; just bright enough to see the main road. People rarely stay out past bedtime. When the Pods closed their doors, you really did not want to be the one who wakes them- and if you did. It would make sure you were awake with it until it fell back into slumber.

  I was finally able to calm myself by the time I made it back to the Ticannis'. Everyone is outside sitting under the canopy when I arrivee. I don't think they see me, for a second the thought of scaring them crosses my mind. But that would not be appropriate at this moment, for their sanity nor mine.

  "I'm back." I give a wave. Ol waved back with a "Welcome back father." Ava waved and looked at me with a slight smile, probably because she seen my face a bit less twisted.

  "So? What did they say?" Ava asked.

  "A messenger arrived a couple hours ago. I'm guessing they have gotten it under control." Euel looked up as if he wanted to say something but refrained.

  "Well that is wonderful. Maybe tonight we can all sleep well." she said.

  Well. I doubt ill get any sleep tonight, no matter how much I calmed myself. There is just too much on my mind:

  The demons, my alchemy, our home. If there is a home left.

  "Yeah." I replied with a chuckle. I look to Ava and reached for her hand "My love. I'm going to run some experiments." Ava silently agreed. She knows that Alchemy helps clear my mind.

  She squeezes my hand softly and pulls me closer. "My love. Do please try to not over work yourself?"

  "I will. Something is just - off - and maybe I'll find the answers in my work." I said to her, not to comfort but to reassure.

  The day had taken a toll on me as well, my body felt it; as well as my mind. "We are going to relax outside for a bit longer - and Nephra." she whispered in my ear. "When you're finished with your experiments, we need some family time." My eyes shot over to Euel and Iyvani, back to Avaline then over to Ol and finally back to Avaline. Heat swelled in my cheeks, and I silently agreed with a smirk on my face.

  Thirty minutes pass and still nothing "Experiment No. 276,362: Failure." Still no reaction. "Argh!" I shouted quietly, as I pushed the equipment back on the table. I have been able to decipher somethings about Elusium at least. One: The pattern on my shield is the base layer in the alchemy circle of Elusium. Two: The carvings on my spear somehow tie into figuring this out. Three: Nothing I have used so far can be used as a stable enough catalyst.

  Maybe I'll call it quits. Over a Hundred-Thousand experiments and not a single reaction. Mother had one - a complete mistake. Her third experiment, she marked in her journal.

  "Experiment No.3: Reaction. 20ml of blood added to the 50ml of ink used to draw the alchemy circles' base layer. Reaction began as a 18cm 'black' flame, which burned for approximately .43 seconds. After completion, it condensed into a black mass before crumbling to dust." Each material listed and diagrams showing how the circle was constructed.

  She was never able to recreate it.

  Maybe mother was just researching to no end.

  Maybe there was no grandeur explanation for it.

  Maybe- it was a mistake. There are plenty of reasons and things, that turn into black dust in alchemy.

  I walked outside to stretch my body and mind. Everyone is coming inside. Ava looks at me "Just a few minutes and I'll be right back inside." She puckered her lips and pinched her eye brows. "I promise." I chuckled as they went inside.

  "Uuurgh." my exhale exaggerated. "What do I do now?" Experiments' failing - demons attacking, nothing is making sense anymore and I'm growing weary of it all. As I pace around the path in front of the house, I notice a Terflite in the distance. But only one side is glowing. "Strange." I say to myself. When suddenly; I see silhouettes of pure darkness, slowly pacing the streets just as I was.

  My Heart fell to the floor.

  There was no sound. No fire. No screams.

  They're here.

  I sprinted to the house as fast I could, to grab my shield and spear from the room.

  "Nephra-" I raise my finger to my lips. "Ssssh. Demons are here." Avas' face washed over in a terror- one I never want to witness again. Anger now welling in my body.

  "Tell your parents and find somewhere to hide." Ava grabbed my arm. "No! Nephra you must hide as well." Fear at the forefront of her words.

  "I must go my love." no matter how much I wanted to stay, if I did not go out there - they would come in here. I grabbed her hand in mine,

  "I promise. I will return to you and Ol'. I placed my forehead on hers - took a deep breath - then kissed her, a kiss that felt as though the world intentionally slowed down to make the moment last just a touch longer.

  I grabbed my shield and spear, walked over to Ol and patted his head.

  "Can you keep your mother safe for me Ol?" I try to hide the fear on my face but I doubt I tried hard enough.

  The fear wasn't for the demons, but for my family.

  Olvior silently agreed with a few tears running down his face. "Hey, hey, hey, Ol. It'll be okay." I paint a wide smile onto my face.

  "I promise!" I gather myself once more before going out to face the terror.

  It has been a while since I fought in actual combat. The last time though; I didn't have this strange heaviness in my chest.

  The town is still quiet, too quiet, from what I had seen there had to be at least four or five demons. From information gathered over the years, they usually travel in groups of twenty to thirty.

  No screams. No fire. No sounds of bodies being torn apart.

  What are they doing?

  I poke my head out the door - Nothing. I walk out and the door closes. I place my hand on the pod, "Please keep them safe." The pod released a small vibration as if saying "You can count on me."

  "Thank you." I said as I walked to the Main road.

  Half way down the path, ice filled my veins. I raise my shield, a moment later and my head would have been torn clean off. The demons claws screech against my shield, creating sparks that made the night glow. The blow heavy, my heart racing, the demon standing right before me. I calm myself as I ready my stance. One deep breath as I draw back my spear on top of my shield.

  The end of my exhale signaled the start of our battle.

  The demon lunged at me. "Too slow." I side step its attack. It lunges again this time just a bit faster, swinging its claws from above. I raise my shield to block the attack. A thunderous thud rang across the courtyard, I drop to one knee. "Argh!" I spin from underneath its attack and thrust my spear into it chest. "Not deep enough." It jumps back.

  "Ha! You things must not feel pain to often." I said, taunting, pointing my spear. Its eyes narrowed almost as if it understood what I said.

  Cautious now; the demon slowly circles me. My position too exposed. I have to keep an eye out in every direction. I need to press. I begin my advance, fast and controlled. The demons eyes widen in what almost looks like fear, it tries to dodge but its too late. My spear drives right through its eyes, the body goes limp and falls to the ground.

  I look around, and I'm now surrounded by demons. Six, Seven, or so, maybe more I can't tell. One after another in quick succession they attacked. My focus pinned to every aspect: Smell, sight, sound, even the taste of the metal that was shaved off my shield from the previous exchange.

  My reflex's feel heightened and I feel ready.

  One after another they were felled. Spear to the head, spear to the heart, one taken down by its own. The exchanges that started out fast now grow more encumber some. Fifteen dead, and I can count at least another twelve or so. Exhaustion now setting in. Memories of my father defeating thirty of these things; a feat that now seems impossible.

  Breaths heavy.

  Shield heavy.

  Body heavy.

  Mind- heavy.

  I'm covered in blood, I don't know if its mine or the demons at this point. All I know is I have to kill every last one of them.

  My vision starts to blur.

  A demon launches. I block its attack with my shield, the blow knocks me back causing me to stumble.

  Another one...

  And another...

  Then another...

  Their pursuit relentless, one scratches my arm, a timely deflection saving it from being sliced off. Blood now running down to my hand, which is now almost useless. I look over to see Ol, Ava and her family watching from the window.

  Then something felt as if it etched itself into my mind. The feeling as if something just - snapped. My body no longer my own. The blood that covered me began to converge. Into the Alchemy circles on my glove, shield and spear.

  The shield lights up first.

  Then the spear.

  Finally the glove.

  The Mythril glowing bright. A bright blue that matches the daytime skies. The light from the Mythril flowed into every single part of the alchemy circles.

  Until; FLASH!

  An explosion of light filled the courtyard. I watched as every single demon melted away into the light.

  After a few moments of making sure they were all dead, I look over to my family. "It's okay-." the words never fully escape from my lips.

  As I drop to the ground and enter total darkness.

  End Note.

  - Nephra Peranze